Noughties favourite Steps have turned down the opportunity to perform at a concert in Dubai over discrepancies surrounding laws on sexuality.
According to singer Ian 'H' Watkins, the five-man group were handed a contract which included a clause stating that no members were permitted to mention sexuality in any of their performances.
Speaking at Chippenham Pride in Wiltshire, the 47-year-old popstar - who himself is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, having 'come out' as gay in 2007 - claimed to be at a point in his life where morals were more important to him than a "pot of gold gig".
The star - who performs alongside bandmates Lee Latchford-Evans, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee and Faye Tozer - also said nobody was aware that Steps were offered the Middle Eastern show, but that it was "important" to raise the issue.
'H' admitted he was left "emotional" by the predicament, and claimed he should have had "the guts" to speak up sooner.
Speaking of the potential performance in Dubai - where homosexuality is illegal - he said: "This week we were offered a gig, a show, and it was in a country where there's lots of oppression, where the LGBTQ+ community is treated so horrendously.
"And in the contract it said 'no mention of sexuality' and that really jarred with me. I'm at a point in my life now where my morals and what I strive for is more important that that pot of gold gig was in Dubai."
'H' added: "It's because of all the horrendous human rights issues that are happening there."
The singer added he thoughts that his fans should be able to live their authentic selves, confessing the experience "felt like a little win".
He continued: "If everybody did that, all of those ripples will make huge waves, and we will have a much more inclusive and beautiful place to live."
Last summer, several big-name stars similarly slammed World Cup organisers for hosting the event in Qatar after claiming the association is "leaving behind" its LGBTQ+ supporters.
Former footballing pro David Beckham came under fire for accepting the role as ambassador for the event, with comedian Joe Lycett publicly pleading with him to stand-down for the role in order to support his LGBTQ+ fans.